Think magazine 004

2 | ON THE COVER

Editor-in-Chief/ Creative Director

Jacqueline Carlisle

Design Production

Samm Jordan

Contributing Fashion Editor Contributing Technology Editor Contributing Design Editor Contributing Architecture and Design Logo Design Site Services

Jacqueline Carlisle

Erich Zainzinger

Alexander Horne

Karyn Linnell Sunny Fong Samm Jordan

ON THE COVER

Hand drawn illustration

by Ella Parry www.ellaparry.com

ISSUE 004

| 3

It doesn’t seem possible that this is the fourth issue, and yet here we are just in time for spring.

I want to first talk about this issues cover a hand drawn illustration by artist Ella Parry who I think captured the season’s beauty and All I asked of her was to capture her

version of Mother Nature and when I received the illustration I thought it may not work but I was dead wrong, we love this cover. This entire issue tried to celebrate nature in its natural form by reporting on things like the first eco hotel called the Scarlet who has taken eco luxury to new heights in Cornwall. All I know is I can’t wait to visit, possibly the magazine can host something there in the future. We also looked at an ancient form of design called Bio mimicry which is making a comeback. The idea is to fuse

IN THIS

ISSUE

rebirth.

science and design by mimicking nature; it’s pretty fascinating I hope to continue to report on this in future issues. I recently sat down with Jason Phillips furniture designer to talk about why he loves creating eco furniture, sourcing natural materials and giving back to society. He has become a favourite to watch for innovative everyday furniture. I also enjoyed finding a new designer Leah Singh Waldman a Parson’s School of Design graduate who is on our ones to watch list. Getting in touch with half of her roots she is currently in India working on her jewellery line. She found some time to tell us about her work, her vision and why it’s deeply rooted to her heritage. Lastly an Italian company called reLight the makers of illuminating fabrics wraps up our offering for wearable technology in this issue. reLight is still in its early stages but they already have shown a need for this type of fabric in the future. The best of news of all and worth sharing is Think magazine is now mobile and available on iTunes through a publishing apps called Pushforward. It’s available now so go get it. We are scrambling bit to become mobile but we’ll get there.

Fashion

leah singh waldman

8

Technology

re(inventing) light

12

Design

jason phillips designer roots

22

Architecture

la vie en rose

40

TEXT: JACQUELINE CARLISLE editor

|9

leah singh waldman Taking on the task of promoting

discovered in abattoirs in Muslim

an entire country is no easy feat

communities and those that die

but Leah Waldman is determined

from natural causes.

to shine a spotlight on India’s

Leah is in India working on her

historical

community.

jewellery and home accessories line

Parson’s School of Design

that is heavily influenced by Indian

graduate Leah is the founder of

craftsmanship but will be modified

Firoza

in

for the Western market. Inspired

Urdu and Persian) a jewellery

not only by her own culture she

and home accessories brand that

also draws inspiration from hip hop,

aims to promote Indian design

geometric patterns architecture

whilst using local environmental

and Islamic patterns. Choosing to

materials

work with a selected group of Non-

A

artisan

(meaning

and

Turquoise

manufacturing

Currently

techniques. Born to an Indian

Governmental

mother and Jewish father Leah has

percentage of their earnings is used

traveled extensively between India

to improve the infrastructure of

and America searching for new

the villages in which these artisans

ways to unite these two extremely

reside. Although Leah is in the early

different cultures. For her final

stages of her career she has a clear

thesis she returned to India and

mandate which she plans to carry

began to research the bone craft

out to the fullest. Expect to see her

which led her to creating lamps

products in stores very soon.

made of discarded buffalo bones

Organisations

a

12 | TEXT: ERICH ZAINZINGER contributing technology editor

re(inventing) light Light is one of the basic elements most

Our man-made light sources in the form of

life forms need to be able to exist. Flora

light bulbs or tubes look rather technical,

and fauna could not exist without light.

giving off concentrated light around the

Humans do need light as well to be and to

light source and the light is fading in the

stay healthy, physically and mentally.

distance.

Besides our dependance on light for the

To create magical effects with light,

physical life, light plays also a strong

architects, artists and designers have

role in humans emotional world. Light

developed since Thomas Edison has

has a very strong emotional effect on us,

given to the world the first light bulb,

everyone, small or grown up.

ever sophisticated techniques to create emotions and atmospheres with light.

We feel safe wherever there is light. We use different colored light to amplify

Although these techniques have evolved

the emotional power of light, to create

over time certain light effects like bending

an atmosphere of love with red light, a

light, folding light like a sheet, wrapping

relaxing, calming atmosphere with green

light around everyday objects like sofas

or using blue light to chill out.

has been on the wish list of designers for a long time as these properties would give

Artists use lighting effects for their stage

a complete new dimension to the magical

shows to create emotional connections

power of light.

to the audience and their performance.

Recent trends even go into the direction of

So it is no wonder that an innovative

light elements integrated in stage outfits,

company, Italian based Grado Zero Espace

clothing that makes use of the emotional

set out to reinvent light with their product

power of light.

reLIGHT.

Light radiates magic, mystic, feeling, emotions.

reLIGHT is based on electro-luminescent

coated with a micro-layered conductive

technology,

phenomenon

polymeric material without the use of

and electrical phenomenon in which a

mercury or other toxic substances as found

material emits light in response to an

in many other light sources. reLIGHT is

electric current passing through it.

cold and safe to touch.

Conventional light bulbs belong to the

The light emitting panel is completely

group of light emitting technology

customizable in shape, dimension and

resulting from heat (incandescence) or the

color and will illuminate even in extreme

newer compact fluorescent lamp using

conditions,

the same heat generation principle.

abrasion, torsion and compression, it is

an

optical

withstanding

flame-resistant. reLIGHT it is made from a glass-fiber fabric

perforation,

Equipped with this technology, architects

These light emitting, soft sheets can be

and designers can add new magical

sewn onto textiles enabling illumination

dimensions to light designs highlighting

for camping gear like the inside of tents,

literally the power of light in the emotional

another area in which this technology can

arena.

shine, taking away the need for camping lights that eat up space and weigh down

But besides the emotional factor of light,

the travel bag.

there is the practical, functional aspect like illuminating clothing for safety reasons

Bending or folding light with this

in outdoor/sports-wear and work-wear.

technology is not science fiction anymore,

Rescue and police uniforms can provide a

reLIGHT can make the impossible possible

high visibility during operation.

by lighting up every corner of our life.

www.gzespace.com

Jason Phil ips How did you get into this business?

hours, I would attend the Huntington

I was exposed to the furniture industry

Academy of Fine Arts. I was awarded an

at a very young age, taking trips overseas

apprenticeship to study under renowned

to Southeast Asia to develop artisan

American Sculptor Joseph Mack through

collections for the company, The Phillips

HAFA in the South of France. I completed

Collection.

remember

my undergrad at The University of

making a connection and a commitment

Michigan in Ann Arbor, where I received

to the places I visited. Seeing how they

a B.F.A. in Industrial Design (Magna

use materials and how local practices

Cum Laude) in 2005. During my time

mixed with good design can create a

at Michigan I was fortunate enough to

burgeoning micro industry. It has been

escape the cold winter one semester on a

a mission of ours to utilize artisan talent

study abroad program in Seville, Spain,

and indigenous, renewable materials to

where I went back to my fine arts roots.

I

distinctly

achieve our high-end, modern collection

Where did you go to school?

What is the difference between Industrial Design and Furniture Design?

I grew up on Long Island, NY where,

Unfortunately, Industrial Design is seen

during my high school years, after school

as the act of designing products.

of furniture and accessories.

Cellphones, airplane trays, water bottles, etc. But the truth is, it is the collective of multiple disciplines and can be more easily defined as the study of threedimensional form for practical use. In that sense, it is very much the same thing as furniture design.

I felt it gave me a perspective beyond specifically ‘furniture design’.

We learned as much about

balancing form and considering ergonomics as we did marketing our designs and ourselves as the designer.

Why venture into sustainable design?

Why not? I think any rational person, with a good understanding of their options, will choose the righteous path.

Perhaps I have too much faith

in humanity...but at Phillips Collection, we are aware of the materials that are sustainable, the finishes that are water-based, and a whole list of other opportunities to create product that is both beautiful and sustainable. When armed with the right information, the decision and ability to choose green is clear.

What are some of your favourite materials?

Mango wood is very fast-growing and prevalent throughout Thailand so we love to work with it.

Abaca rope, bamboo, and even sandstone castings.

We are also unearthing the colossal roots of longago felled trees to create wonderfully modern and monolithic tables in our Origins Collection.

What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury is no longer all about how much you can spend on something. It is something that is not a necessity but a pleasure. Whether it is a $10 Godiva

26 | TEXT: JACQUELINE CARLISLE editor

Chocolate or a $15,000 table carved in

we recently installed some ceramic

Indonesian teak wood, it is something

sculpture from Mexico at QUA Spa at

that you have an emotional connection to

Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. It was rated

that engages your senses. In fashion, it is

the top spa in the world the year it opened

taking a respected brand and marrying it

and we are thrilled to be a part of the

with bespoke tailoring and all the details

ambiance there.

are resolved. That, to me, is true luxury.

If you could create pieces for a luxury spa where would it be? http://www.jasonphillipsdesign.com/ Well it’s funny you should ask that because

designer roots.

As design evolves into something recognized

shared a deep interest in nature’s design.

as a strategic approach to problem solving,

Frank Lloyd Wright described buildings as

as opposed to solely the visible aesthetic of a

organisms, Louis Kahn asked the brick what

finished product, so too does the associated

it wanted to be (as if it were alive) while Mies

vocabulary. Indeed as production of consumer

Van Der Rohe kept avidly upto-date with

products has reduced, partly due to the recent

biology and technology. Biomimicry may not

downturn, references to design in politics has

have been branded nor common knowledge

increased and the service design sector has

then,

been bursting with new consultancy options and ideas (material libraries, environmental guidance and trend analysis). Contrary to the belief that words such as ‘sustainability’ and ‘biomimicry’ have contemporary roots though - they have actually been actively used in theory and practice by inventors, architects and scientists long before the term ’consumer product’ was rendered an established terminology. This digging into the past has reared sustainability as the most visible and referenced term. While the term ‘sustainability’ is used more often, it lacks a defined measurement of value. ‘Biomimicry’, however, equates specifically to ideas that mimic nature. Architects should live as little in cities as a painter. Send them to the hills and let them study there what nature understands.’*1 Through their explorative work in the fields of sustainability and design inspired by nature, the writer John Ruskin (1819 - 1900) and designer Vikter Papanek (1927 - 1999) have enjoyed a recent resurgence. Digging deeper than surface references though, it is surprising to find that some significant architects of the past century

TEXT: ALEXANDER HORNE contributing design editor

| 33

but now, as with the increase of awareness in

fields (biology, engineering) and represents a

design, it is apparent everyday.

trend by designers expanding their knowledge to aid the design process. Taking a step

From

the

awe-inducing

sculptures

of

back from the end product and focusing on

Theo Jansen to international exhibitions -

what happens before; Dutch designer Hella

biomimicry is a significant bone in design.

Jongerius was recently involved in the design

It involves the cross-fertilization of different

of a high-tech textile for Mahram in

with Nike. By no means an isolated case - many

By mimicking this unique pattern, one

other designers are going one step further

company in the US has created the first

than just having an interest in materials and

technology to inhibit bacteria growth through

biomimicry. In Oslo, Bifokal represent a new

pattern alone, and with no extra chemical

wave of architects who sell their services based

retardants required. Sharklet technology

on intelligence as opposed to one architecture

is composed of millions of tiny diamond

product, such as a building. Their projects

arrangements and provides a simple and

range from design of materials to seminars

cost effective solution to this particular issue.

and workshops. It was through the latter that

Biomimicry is undoubtedly an inspiration for

architect John Hølby and Bifokal’s Natasa

ideas in design today. Furthermore, when the

Zednik guided and inspired a group of AHO

result of a biomimicry-led project provides

(Oslo School of Architecture) students with a

solutions to issues such as health, it could

biomimicry focused workshop. ‘Fibrous

be suggested that an effective sustainable

Implications’ was an insightful example

source of ideas has been unearthed. Over

of nature as a force of inspiration in the

time and through evolution, many animals

design process and as an influence on the

have developed natural forms of defence or

skeletal structure of forms. Watching a tree

survival techniques. It would appear natural

I can generate an architectonic from it, the

for us to follow a similar route.

same is true for a rock. But, a column that is constructed like a tree will never work like

http://www.alexanderhorne.co.uk/

one. The tree will be better. *2 Using nature as

http://nouink.blogspot.com/

inspiration for design is one approach to biomimicry; taking a system used by a living thing and artificially replicating it to perform the same function goes beyond this aesthetic layer of inspiration though. From planes to trains to cleaner hospital beds - biomimicry has led to improvements in performance and living conditions. One such condition is the rise in hospital acquired infections. Although

footnotes

there is no hospital in a shark’s daily life,

*1 John Ruskin, ‘Selected Writing’, Oxford

repelling bacteria is what slow moving sharks

World Classics 2009

must do everyday in order to survive. They do

*2 Santiago Calatrava, Spanish architect

so using a pattern on their skin which prevents

(born 1951)

bacteria leaching on and spreading infection.

La Vie En Rose

Relaxation Terrace

Guestroom

As

dawn

lightly

touches

upon

southeastern of

tip

England,

gorgeous

the a

coastline

THE SCARLET HOTEL OFFERS VISITORS A BLISSFUL ESCAPE AND A TASTE OF PERFECTION.

No children are seen yelling

down

the

hall, or racing for an elevator. No loud cell phone rings disrupt

is illuminated, and a unique resort hotel is

the serenity. Peace and natural beauty are left

revealed along the shoreline. While impressive

intact in this harmonious haven known simply

in structure, this graceful building manages to

as The Scarlet.

effortlessly blend with its natural surroundings.

The soft sound of crashing waves caresses

To the weary holidayer craving simplicity and

the ears of its dreaming travelers, luring them

tranquility, The Scarlet is the perfect refuge.

awake with whispers of wild ocean air and

Seated regally upon ocean cliffs, each artfully

spectacular sea views. Golden sunlight streams

designed room in this unique hotel faces the

through crystal-clear panes of glass, reflecting

sea, affording a breathtaking visage to each

off quiet pools of water awaiting early risers

and every patron. Quarters are comfortable

longing for a relaxing and refreshing swim.

and relaxing, paying homage to beautiful local

The hotel staff anticipates the unfolding of

craftsmanship and quality modern design.

another glorious day, preparing spa treatment

Every inch of this hotel is both thoughtful and

rooms for the day’s appointments and fresh,

aesthetically pleasing, from the comfort of the

local produce for delicious, gourmet meals.

art-filled library to the soothing silence of the

Library

Spa Treatment Room

TEXT: KARYN LINNELL contributing architecture and design editor

deep relaxation room.

Furnishings

the earth. The building quietly protects

designed to please the eye and perfectly

the surrounding environment, reusing,

support the human frame are found

conserving and maintaining in every way

on sun-kissed balconies near fragrant

possible without causing any noticeable

gardens, soft turf-covered terraces and a

sacrifice to its guests. From the simple

stunning natural pool. Visitors are invited

wisdom of effective insulation to prevent

to take advantage of several nearby

overuse of resources to the contentious

amenities, including surf lessons, kayak

efforts to find new homes for displaced

trips, deep sea fishing and beachside

reptiles during its construction process,

horseback riding, or to enjoy the quiet

The Scarlet chooses to lead by example

of the hotel. Those who wish to remain

in valuing the earth. Water is reused

within the lodging may take advantage

whenever possible, and the safest and

of a massage, facial or other treatment

most efficient fuels sources are always

in the spa, or to renew the body in a

chosen above common methods. The

yoga or movement session. Breathing

Scarlet has been built with the long-term

fresh air and exploring invigorating

in mind and is passionately devoted to

coastlines often whets the appetite. The

ensuring that the beautiful surrounding

Scarlet’s artistic dining room is matched

landscape endures equally as well.

in excellence by the varying gourmet menu, offering the freshest ingredients

There are rare moments in life when

in delicious combinations. Guests will

acting responsibly is synonymous with

find themselves satisfied by everything

pursuing utmost pleasure. The Scarlet

this hotel has to offer.

is a seamless blend of integrity and pure bliss, the perfect location to find

The Scarlet neglects nothing in its efforts

rest, rejuvenation and inspiration. This

to create a lasting impression. While

beautiful hotel in its stunning natural

visitors are free to enjoy themselves fully,

location is a treasure, and one that

careful planning has allowed the hotel to

can and should be experienced and

ensure that no responsibility is neglected,

appreciated over and over again.

especially the responsibility to care for

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